pressure AT BRANDYWELL

Published:12:55Friday 06 September 2013

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PATRICK McEleney could well join Derry City’s lengthening injury list after prematurely limping out of Tuesday night’s defeat by St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Brandywell, minutes before the half-time interval.

The versatile midfielder sustained a heavy knock to the foot during the latter stages of the first half and it was clear from an early juncture that he would be unable to finish the game.

And according to Brandywell boss, Declan Devine, the 21-year-old is considered “extremely doubtful” for tomorrow night’s game against Shelbourne at the Brandywell. (5.00 p.m. kick-off).

“At this point in time he’s really struggling to be fit for the Shelbourne match,” confirmed Devine last night.

“He took a bang to the foot having already recovered from a similar injury recently.

“We’ll see how he gets on over the next day or so, but at this point in time he has to be considered extremely doubtful.”

However, Devine is hopeful of having possibly three of his players back from injury for the visit of Johnny McDonnell’s men.

“I’m hopeful that Sean Houston and Michael Duffy should be okay as both were rested against St. Pat’s in the hope that they would be okay for the Shelbourne match.

“Eoghan Osborne failed a fitness test on his groin before the Pat’s match, so I was forced to play Barry McNamee at left-back. I’m hopeful that Eoghan will be pronounced fit and that will release Barry back into a more accustomed midfield berth,” added Devine.

And having applauded the effort of youngster, Ryan Curran, who helped change the pattern of the game in the second half, Devine agreed that the 19-year-old was battling for a first team start tomorrow night.

“Ryan did well, as did quite a few other players after the break, but he’s proved in training that he’s now ready to take his chance.

“He made a significant impact and he certainly didn’t look out of place, so well see how we are on the day.”